7th Grade Readers

7th Grade Readers

Seventh grade is a tough year.  We are getting out of the magical and cutesy young adult literature and into a more mature subject.  The difficulty in this shift is finding literature that is age appropriate.  I tried to find a balance at this level without exposing her to teen subjects we didn’t feel she was ready for.  Hopefully, I have done that well.  I am taking the time to read most of these titles while she reads them, but I also try to read some ahead of her.  I know some books on the list will be a challenge for her or make her think deeper, as with all the book lists I am creating, there are newer books, favorites, and classics from my childhood (and maybe yours too).

Am I Qualified to Homeschool?

Am I Qualified to Homeschool?

Before beginning their homeschooling journey, many homeschool parents worry about homeschooling for several reasons. They weren't good in school, didn't go to college, are not trained as a teacher, or can't currently help with homework. There are many more reasons beyond these. Still, these are several reasons I have seen in observing various homeschool groups of parents starting.

Beyond Literature: Introduction to the Elements of Literature

Beyond Literature: Introduction to the Elements of Literature

The Introduction to the Elements is the second unit in our Beyond Literature Series I introduced last month. This lesson helps set up the following seven lessons.  The format is similar to the first and the rest of the units in this study series.  It is also identical to what is included in each lesson her after.  A PowerPoint presentation, a set of Teachers, and a set of Student notes accompany the presentation.  I have identified five essential elements of literature for this Beyond Series Unit of study.  They include Setting, Characters, Dialogue, Conflict, and Plot.

Planning One Full Year of Homeschool

Planning One Full Year of Homeschool

About four years ago (when we switched to year-round schooling), I began planning and prepping for one year at a time. It has taken me a few years, but now I think I have finally found a system that works well. Now, I want to share it with others and help them to do the same. These little steps are not lesson planning in the traditional teacher's way of planning things. This planning allows things to run smoothly and for me to be organized enough to travel as we do each year.

Tips for Traveling and Home-schooling: The Plan the Works for Us

Tips for Traveling and Home-schooling: The Plan the Works for Us

When we decided to home school, it was because we wanted to be able to travel with my husband and his job.  We wanted to stay together as a family.  To make our journey successful needed to follow the mantra for our homeschooling journey, and for our blog/website is “home schooling anywhere and everywhere”.  Our home school need to be able to be able to be picked up and taken and done wherever we were.  After nine years, I think we have finally found a groove and several things that make this happen for us.  Each year it has gotten easier and easier to pack up and go this way and that.  There have been five key things that has been consistent over the last nine years that keep us going.

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A Closer Look at Beyond Literature

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A Closer Look at Beyond Literature

I introduced the concept of Beyond Literature earlier this month in a blog post titled Beyond Literature: A New Adventure for Our Homeschool.  But basically, it is a literature program. I’m creating for my girls, and I am also sharing it here as well.  As of right now there are three main components: Elements of Literature, Book Lists, and Book Reports and Summaries.  Today I would like to take a closer look at these three components and shed some light on what to look forward to.

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Beyond Literature: A New Adventure For Our Homeschool

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Beyond Literature: A New Adventure For Our Homeschool

In the spirit of National Reading Month, I thought I would introduce our new literature program that I’ve begun in our homeschool this year.  I will also be releasing parts of it on our Homeschool Printables Page.  I will also offer more details and information on our Beyond Literature page later this month and throughout the year. 

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Tot School: What it Will Look Like in Our Home School

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Tot School: What it Will Look Like in Our Home School

So for those who don’t quite understand Tot School, a term within the homeschool community where parents educate their toddlers at home.  This looks different in every family, and if you google the word, you will get many ideas and ways to do tot school.  What it will look like in our homeschool.  I need to explain why, then I’ll explain what it is and what it is not, and lastly, I will discuss how it will look in our home.